A baby won't always be in the back seat. If performance were not a major factor, he'd be looking at Lexus LS460L or another similar car. After all, the LS460L completely fits what you have written.

 

If your looking for practicality with a bit of speed you could look into a used panemera, not as fast but better for the wife and kid.

 

you already had a sick e46 m3. go try GT-R.

 

GT-R. I've not even a fan of AWD, or paddle shift, or turbo, but you can't go past the bang for buck mind blowing performance coupled with relative practicality.

 

I've had an E46 M3 and have driven the E92 M3 and I still say go GTR. My line of reasoning is that you want an automatic. The only thing the M3 has over the GTR is the choice of a manual transmission. Like what was stated above, the GTR is in another league.

 

GTR has more interior space, and a huge trunk so that.

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Wow I did not know that, must be some cool improvements! I'm looking for a used 2010/2011 most likely.

Thanks I do miss my m3 but thinking just want to try something different like you said.


Your guys are right the baby won't always be with me so I need something fun on "those" days! I'm driving the GTR today, a red one and will make a decision


Thanks to everyone for chiming in objectively. I know these cars are more of a passion and feeling type purchase so we all have different opinions.

 

I agree 100%, but I'm a bit biased. And the 2012 is a step up from the 2011 FYI.

 

I'd say the GTR might be a better option. Automatic on an M3 sounds like sacrilege. At least on a GTR you have no choice and the car as it sits is legendary in itself.

 

It's really up to you. I've had the same dilemma and picked up the GT-R. You only live once. Haven't gone through all of the maintenance yet though. The DCT in the BMW is wonderful, the shift are pretty quick and smooth. If you watch some of the videos, you can see how smooth it is.

The manual shifting in the GT-R almost make you feel like you are driving a manual. In the morning, it runs rough and feels like it. You actually have to learn how to drive the car as it has it's quirks.

As stated before, maintenance is where is stops people from purchasing it. To replace the brakes and rotors, you're looking at $2500 for aftermarket. Pads can be changed several times before replacing the rotors. These are wear items, so it has nothing to do with the warranty. Tires are expensive at 1800-2000 for the RFT. Some people have switched to non-RFT, as they are a little more forgiving and more comfortable (and cheaper). The best tire for DD and longivity is the Dunlop A/S. Oil changes can run around $200. Trans and diff changes are around 500 or so, depending on if you supply the fluid.

Good luck with your decision and post pictures of whichever you decide to get.